Lower Gray Canyon Campground, Green River, Utah

Monday, April 28 – Thursday, May 1

The beginning photos in this post were taken on the way to our new camp at Lower Gray Canyon Campground, north of the city of Green River.

When the crew and I leave our camp along the San Rafael Reef, I don’t know where we will camp next.

The past few days the internet connection has grown steadily weaker until this morning it’s nothing. I don’t know if it’s the remote location or a problem with Verizon.

I return to the city of Green River in order to call Verizon.

I also want to pick up a few groceries for me and fresh meat for the bottomless pits known as Bridget and Spike. It’s about 40 miles.

By the time we drive into Green River I’m hungry. A chicken sandwich at Burger King and I’m fueled to call Verizon.

I learn that the problem is the remote location.

Silly me. I’m ready to blame the big V. I sign up for two more gigabytes of data per month for an additional $10. (Verizon charges $15 for every gigabyte over one’s contract in a month and I’ve been going over).

We truck on over to the Melon Vine Grocery . . .

Melons are revered in Green River. Melons are big in Green River. Really, really big. Melon Days are held in September. Signs all over town work to put melons on the mind of anyone driving through. Get your melons in Green River. Anyway . . .

As I approach the cash register, I take note of the check-out lady.

She’s one of those gregarious type people. Friendly. Loves to talk. She’s probably lived in Green River all her life, knows everybody’s name, who’s related to whom, and . . . hmm . . . where to camp!

As expected, she responds immediately.

“Oh, go out to the beach.”

Beach? Did she say BEACH? Oh, boy!We can do beach.

“You go east out of town. You cross over the river, and then you’ll go up a little hill. At the top of the hill, turn left onto Hastings Road. It’s a good road, paved. When it turns to dirt, you’ll come to a boat ramp and then the beach and camping is a little way past that.”

I am one happy camper as I drive out of the Melon Vine Grocery parking lot!

Hastings Road is specially designed to build anticipation!

This is the way to a BLM campground? Wow!

There’s the Green River! It’s brown. Who cares. It’s a river!

Lower Gray Canyon Campground is about ten miles north of the city of Green River on Hastings Road. Convenient to supplies!

I pick a pretty site.

I put up the Wilson antenna. Yay, we have internet!

On the other side of the Best Little Trailer is a short, sandy path going down to the river’s edge. The crew and I scramble down it, me with camera in hand.

I take this photo of the view across the river from our campsite. Gee, we have a unique “back yard!”

I love this campground!

Spike checks the water, but he doesn’t go in (downstream view).

“C’mon, guys, let’s go to the beach!”

Our campsite is on the end of the campground that’s adjacent to Swasey’s Beach, so it’s a very short walk along the river.

“You two are gonna’ make great beach bums!”

We can get used to this!

rvsue

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Lower Gray Canyon is shown in the Utah Benchmark Atlas, but it’s good to hear a recommendation from a local.

Rather than go southward while waiting for the north to warm up (since we’ve been to Capitol Reef NP), I plan to explore this part of Utah including the San Rafael Swell. We’ll stay here for a while and then I have another campground in mind that will keep us in warm weather.

If you haven’t read any of Chinle Miller’s books, now is a great time to start! All of her stories take place in this locale and all are available on Amazon for your Kindle!
Another beautiful campsite! WoW! Any time limit here? I’d be there for melon season! LOL!
Beautiful photos Sue, honestly… Utah is the most beautiful and diverse state we ever visited! My favorite by far! Thank you for showing us a place we missed on our travels! We love ya !!! Hugs to the crew!

Yes, there’s a ten-day limit at this campground. There are campsites further up into the canyon that are also along the river. I see two as possibilities. Then the road clings to the rock with a severe drop down to the river… long enough for me not to want to drag the BLT on it. I white-knuckled with the PTV yesterday as we explored Gray Canyon.

I bet it’s beautiful here during Melon Days in September. Cottonwoods predominate and you know how lovely they are when they turn yellow and gold.

Love the campsite, near water, my kind of place. Hmmm..waiting for my “Spike in the water fix”. I’m not sure why but I get such a kick out of him flopped down at the water’s edge. I really liked your last canyon site also- added it to my list.
Safe travels

Wow! What a beautiful campground and love, love, love the beach! Maybe you can break out your inflatable canoe and paddle down a bit to a place with access to road. Paddle to the road and drive to pick up the canoe. Of course you’d have to hitch a ride back. On second thought, it might still be a tad cold but I see shirtless men boating down river.

And on third thought, it would be very dangerous! The river is a wild, raging, fast-moving torrent, swollen with spring run-off. It doesn’t look like that in the photo because the photo doesn’t show the middle of the river where the current is and all the whitecaps.

I’d be helpless out there! People do raft it, as shown in the photo, but they have big rafts that are designed for rivers with rapids and the people at the oars are a lot stronger than I am.

The river roars constantly . It’s a wonderful, background sound, like “white noise.” It lulls me to sleep.

However . . . 🙂 . . . A short distance from the campground is a primo site big enough for three or four big rigs! Leaving the campground the road goes up a slight hill. At the crest there is a campsite in the shape of a loop. It’s level and because it’s higher than the campground, it gives a great view of the river both upstream and downstream. I’ll show a photo of it in the next post.

Also . . . If one came out here with a big rig and found the big site I just described is occupied, one could park next to the trees in the parking lot adjacent to the beach. Then move to the big site once it’s vacated. I notice a lot of the people who come out here camp overnight and then leave. I guess because Green River is on the way to a lot of other places like the national parks.

Oh Sue, that’s a good camp you have there on the Green River and a beach too. Get out the Pink Flamingo’s, a cool drink, Tea and watch the waves roll while settin’ in your chair with your babies soaken’ in the shallows ,,,lol ,,,,,,,,,,Timber n’ Rusty

Hi Sue,
That may be one of the most idyllic sites you found yet.Warm,beautiful and with built in entertainment for the crew.What a lovely surprise when we happen on unspoiled places, so close to civilization.
Living on canyon tops and along beaches,I know you revel in your surroundings.
Dreams that you had for so long keep coming true. You’ve endured much in your life, making what you have now all the sweeter to you.Smiling from happiness for you,I think we should both have a glass of tea to go with this dessert. 🙂

Thanks Sue,I know none of that was spoken lightly.
It takes courage for us both to acknowledge profound appreciation of each other, considering the constraints of this forum.Yet because the genuine familiarity we share,by it’s nature lends shelter, we’re emboldened . What a precious experience!
On a lighter note,one of my Amazon treats through your blog arrived yesterday.ThunderShirt works exactly the way I hoped it would.We had a perfectly timed storm in central N.Y. last evening.Scooting to me in anxiety, as usual, this time,my dog , wrapped in the shirt,immediately stopped panting,sighed and calmly sat down! 🙂

I’m emboldened from my experiences over many years of living. I’ve learned that being forthright, whether online or face-to-face, is best in most situations. That practice enables the development of honest relationships and also weeds out those that aren’t meant to be.

Great news about the thundershirt! I wondered about that item’s effectiveness when I saw the order, so it’s good to receive your positive feedback.

Face- to-face forthrightness has produced the most rewarding relationships in life for me,too.Can you help me understand what you mean by “weeds out those that aren’t meant to be”?Is it like when my openness led a woman to confide that the reason she excelled as a hostess was to out do other women,when I’d seen her motivation as making home nice for her son,-
or an entirely different concept?

I wasn’t precise when I wrote “weeds out those that aren’t meant to be.” More accurately, what I intended was “weeds out those (relationships) that are best not to pursue.” In other words, some personalities clash. Also, sometimes people are at different stages in their lives and their stages of development or awareness don’t meld at the time their life paths cross. Those are the relationships I avoid. The former (clashing personalities) tend to become toxic and the latter (different life progression) tend toward dependency by one of the parties or stagnate altogether. Well, I’ve probably confused you more!

Another recommendation for the Thunder Shirt. We got one for our Rosie. She was a basket case during storms. It is best to put the shirt on BEFORE the dog is in a panic. We used it whenever it looked like a storm might be coming. It is important that the shirt fits snuggly.

Wonderful photos, wow, you hit the jackpot this time! Has the wind slowed down any?
It is really blowing here today , I didn’t know if I should grab my skirt or my hair!
Regular weather for California this close to the ocean, but it can be aggravating if you need to be busy outside….

Most amazing site, Sue. I also can’t wait for the pic of soaking Spike. I like it when Bridget gives Spike that “I can’t believe you” look, and he just soaks it in. Anyway, thanks for read and journey.
Enjoy!

Hi Sue…Another beautiful site! I love your description of the rushing river providing you natural white noise…bet you and the crew have been getting some especially deep, restful sleep. No pun intended, but that sounds heavenly!

I enjoyed your pictures on the last post that took us with you and the Crew on your hike. The site surrounded by the four canyon walls looked especially appealing! Do you know what the plant with the red flowers is? I was wondering if it was might be in the salvia or desert sage family – hummingbird magnets.

Hope that you and the crew will be able to spend some extended time at the Green River site to enjoy the “white noise” and to allow Spike a muddy soak or two!

Best wishes to all for a great weekend. It was a beautiful day here…spent it outside with family from out of town. If the weather is good tomorrow, I plan to “play in the dirt”, planting a some summer phlox (white w/pink eye), deep purplish-blue salvia and white bearded iris. Then, it will be time to sit on the swing to watch the world go by with my pup, Gracie. Housework can wait!

One of the rewards of creating and maintaining this blog is the positive responses I receive from readers to my writing or photography. I’m glad you liked the canyon pics.

The red flower in the last photo of the previous post is Indian Paintbrush.

I used to have iris and salvia in my flower beds. I can imagine the fun you’ll have planting your flowers. Tending my climbing roses and petunias — man, did I have petunias! – kept me marginally sane for several years. Like Spike, I know the benefits of getting into dirt. Enjoy your gardening. Lord knows you’ve waited long enough through this past winter!

Love this spot Sue with the sandy beach beside the river. Loved your previous camp too with the great sights and senses in the canyon………wow the photography would be marvellous……..as is yours I might add!! I might not comment that often but be aware I check in and read what is to be read each day without fail………..

You’re right. The opportunities for great photos abound in that little canyon. My photos were walk-by photos. In other words the purpose was to walk the canyon with the crew, not take photos. A serious photographer could get some fabulous shots.

I find photographing canyons in general and the rock formations in Lower Gray Canyon to be very challenging. The lighting is troublesome. It’s either all lit up or totally in shadow depending upon the time of day. The time when the lighting is good, when the details of the rock are defined and the rock”glows,” is very brief.

Lower Gray Canyon earns its name. If the lighting isn’t perfect (those few minutes each day) the rocks turn gray. The previous canyon with the “blond” rocks was easier for me. And the visual texture and curves! You’d love it, Glenda!

I really like those beautiful bluffs. I wonder why the topography in Utah is so different than anywhere else; I wonder what caused it? Looks like you found a good longer term spot…near a town, Internet, free, beach, water noise. Doesn’t get much better than that. Years ago I lived in a mobile home park in Pacifica, ca. It was right on the beach. I could lay in bed and listen to the ocean. Nothing beats the sound of water.

I know what you mean about Utah’s topography. I wish I’d paid more attention in Earth Science class! The composition of these rock formations, and thus the colors, are different from place to place and also within the formations.

I realize more than ever how one’s location influences one’s choices in life. I know I would’ve had a very different life if I’d been a Westerner from birth.

Oh yeah, ocean waves make the most soothing sound. The river here doesn’t make a rhythmic sound like ocean waves. It’s a constant, rushing sound. One night I had every window closed and it hardly dampened the sound (which was nice).

Oh I love it! This campground is truly Great! Yeahhhhhh! So glad you ask the lady at the register. Gee I feel like I’m there with you and the Crew. A good campsite is important to me, really want to enjoy the site and surroundings. If I can’t find a good one I move on or go home. Gee, I’m Naturally Spoiled…Can’t wait to see more. I wonder why Spike did not like the water? Is it swift?
Take Care Sue and Crew

I’m with you — A good campsite it very important. Observing some folks — They set up camp, leave it, and when they come back, inside they go until morning, when they leave again.

You are probably a homebody like I am. I notice I have a pattern. When I set up in a new camp I don’t go anywhere for 2-4 days! I spend that time really getting to know the area within walking distance. Probably people reading this are thinking, “How boring!” Like I’ve said before… I live small and see small. It doesn’t take much to keep me entertained!

The river in this section is very swift. When people come through on rafts, they are out of sight around the bend very quickly. The rafts hop up and down on the waves and into the troughs. Other parts of the river nearby are very calm, but not here!

Sue,
Doing your thing and doing it well, but you might want to keep a few places to yourself, lol………..cause when you get back next year you wont be able to leave the highway do to your telling everyone. lmao…….kinda like Bushes baked beans and the dog that’s always wanting to give the secret recipe away! Some things have to be kept to yourself. heheehe

There might be a plus side tho……..the more people that leave gov. campgrounds and start boondocking might bring the price down at gov. campsights when they see their attendance dwindle.

I just sit back and admire your thinking and spirit, for even picking a van as a PTV, I see your planning for a perfect place for solar power (flat top) and extra storage when choosing a light weight trailer with limited storage and roof space.

In my travels as a long haul driver, ive seen quite a few rigs with small wind generators that might help your cause when you migrate further north and don’t have as much sun (clouds) in the way. But plenty of wind.

At any rate, your blog is an inspiration to all of us and that’s why we all follow it, not only for your photo sharing, but just the way you write it! Your sort of the female version of Louis Lamour.

Your an inspiration to all adventurers in modern day times. and I know I get full approval from the dog world when my mini Aussie see’s me laughing my backside off and gets his little stub tail wagging at 1500 rpm!

What a nice comment, Robert. I enjoyed reading it very much. You have me all figured out . . . especially my trailer and van choices! 🙂

A female Louis Lamour… oh, my!

I do wonder if I’m “ruining” these wonderful camps by giving directions on the internet. How can I not share them though?

One thing that annoys me are the people — there have been a few, not many — who get very possessive about areas of public lands they’ve camped on. They act like it is theirs and theirs alone simply because they “found” the spot and have camped on it. Pffftt!

I chuckled at the picture in my mind of your mini-Aussie’s tail wagging at 1500 rpm. I love watching Spike wag his tail. I believe that stub tails are more expressive inch-for-inch. Spike doesn’t go for speed; his wags like a metronome. I’ve seen him standing in his classic pose, the metronome going, and no obvious stimulus… just happy to be alive, I guess, or enjoying the day.

The architecture of nature is so beautiful.. thank you for sharing. lovely spot . So did Spike finally go in the water, or is it fast running, and he remembers that bad time with the river on one of his adventures? 🙂

The river has small, breaking waves at the edge. I don’t think Spike can hear the constant roar of the river, but those little waves might spook him. I don’t know . . . We took a ride into the canyon and I did take a photo of him soaking in a very calm place.

Wow, yet another fabulous boondocks site you’ve found. That cashier really steered you right. It looks gorgeous; you and the Crew will have lots of fun exploring the area. Hope it stays quiet and serene!

I like asking a local about camping, not only because they tell you the good places to camp, but also the places to avoid.

I moved us to another campsite where I backed in toward the river. I’m sitting at my little table at the rear of the BLT as I type this. Bridget and Spike are well into their morning nap on either side of me. Out the window, (I love the BLT’s big back window!), is a cottonwood tree and, about 25 feet away, the river. . . Like you say, a million-dollar (or more, what with inflation) view!

I’ve camped there to run the river, but I never heard the name “lower Gray Canyon Campground”; we just call it Swasey’s Beach. It generally gets very crowded on weekends. Lovely area. As to a bad road upriver, I now have something to compare your descriptions against! I have hauled a flat bed trailer full of rafts and inflatable kayaks up to Nefeteri Rapids using a van much like yours without any issue. You do have to take the curves slowly, but it shouldn’t be something to white knuckle about.

Be careful with the dog. That water is cold and fast this time of year.

“It shouldn’t be something to white knuckle about.” Huh? What’s with the “should” regarding my honest reporting of what I experienced?

There are people who jump out of airplanes because they love to sky dive. I would be terrified. “Should” I not be terrified?

I have a minor phobia of heights where there is no barrier, such as a guard rail. This is something that developed in my late-50s to early-60s as my balance deteriorated slightly, something that happens to lots of folks as they age. Since the demographic of this blog is primarily people in the 50+ age group, I like to let people know about road conditions asI experience them.

Reading your comment I suspect you are younger than I am. Not only because you enjoy hauling flatbeds on narrow, curving roads, but the tone of superiority revealed in your comment. Could I haul a flatbed full of rafts up that road? Of course, I could, but I wouldn’t want to.

Forgive me for sounding harsh. I really do appreciate you pointing out another evaluation of the road in the canyon!

Ouch! I obviously did not express myself well. There was no intended tone of superiority, and I am not young! I will be 60 on my next birthday. I just have learned that people evaluate roads differently. I have been looking at your blog for a while since I have a Casita too. I have seen your comments about roads and marked a number of places off my list because I thought the roads were too bad for me. I really though it was a good thing that I had an alternative point of reference and no insult was intended. People are different, and I must be a more aggressive driver than you. Maybe it comes from harping to take those bad roads to get to the rivers I enjoy.

Sue, This has got to be one of the best campsites you have ever found! Who knew Utah was such a fantastic destination? I ‘discovered’ Utah a couple of years ago and have been back several times, but I am looking forward to the day where more time can be spent there. Enjoy your panarama!

I know what you mean about Utah, Lolalo. The state continues to surprise me. It has so much to offer the camper/traveler, and yet I never heard much about Utah being a desired destination until I happened to discover it myself.

We are enjoying this campsite. Today is the first day that we’ve had a lot of wind.

Hi Sue! I always enjoy your choice of campsites but this one has me wishing I still had a rig to see it for myself. With Detta’s eye problems and both of us now booked with doctors every week or so, it isn’t in the cards anymore. I just have to suck it up and get my travels and campin’ with you and the crew. As always, THANKS!

Ask a friendly local is a good way to go.Once in MS I asked a local whether there was a boondock site on the MS River.He saw my chainsaw in the truck and said that I could camp on his land if I sawed driftwood into 8 foot logs for firewood that he sold.I sawed 20 8 foot logs,chained them up to the road with my truck and stacked them which was two hours work.Had a white sand bar looking over the river for 3 days. Landowners can be courteous if you show them respect and gratitude.

Wow, Wow, Wow, I know that all sites have their charms if you look close enough but I have to say this campsite might get into your “best ever list”. I’m curious if it crowds up on the weekends even this early in the year but it sounds like you will be on to our next adventure by then. Can’t wait.

Robert raises a really interesting point above that gets debated on some of the backpacking forums that I frequent. Do you share information about special secluded camping spots and run the risk of them no being so secluded anymore as a result? Or do you keep these secret spots to yourself?

To my mind I like your approach, let the world know what’s out there and have people experience the beauty of nature. Only then will people care enough to fight to keep wild places wild. If no one knows what’s there than they are just blank spaces on a map.

As always thank you so much for letting us share your journey.

P.S. While I don’t comment often I changed my “handle” to hopefully make it easier for you to keep us all straight. Rick (formerly just Badger)

Thanks for this great camping tip, Sue! We found ourselves in Torrey, UT with an un-winterized van with temps threatening to drop to the mid 20’s. I had bookmarked this post since it was on the way to lots of interesting spots in Utah. So we set off for Green River’s lower elevation and had two great,warm, nights thanks to you! What a lovely spot!

You’re welcome, Joanne. I very happy for you! It’s nice of you to let me know how my blog helped you choose a warm camp. There’s a dramatic change in temperatures from Torrey to Green River. That river camp is one of my favorites, not only because it’s beautiful, but also because everything you need is conveniently located in the town of Green River.

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Meet the canine crew!

Roger (left) and Reggie (right)

What is the BLT?

The BLT is what I consider the Best Little Trailer, a 2011 17-foot Casita Liberty Deluxe which is the full-time home for me and my crew.

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The PTV is the Perfect Tow Vehicle. It's a 2005 Chevy Express Van with a V-8, 5.3 liter engine and equipped with a 200-watt solar panel on the roof and two AGM batteries inside.

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